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Conditions

MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis)

MASH is the more serious form of MASLD, in which liver fat comes with inflammation and liver cell damage that can lead to scarring; it was formerly called NASH.

Clinician review pending Updated Conditions
DefinitionMASH is the more serious form of MASLD, in which liver fat comes with inflammation and liver cell damage that can lead to scarring; it was formerly called NASH.

What it means

In MASLD, fat builds up in the liver. In MASH, that fat is joined by inflammation and injury. Over years, this can cause fibrosis, or scarring, which can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.

MASH usually has no symptoms until it is advanced. Doctors may suspect it from blood tests, imaging or liver stiffness scans, and a biopsy can confirm it and grade the scarring, often on a scale from F0 to F4.

Weight loss through diet and activity is the foundation of treatment. In August 2025, the FDA granted accelerated approval to Wegovy for adults with MASH and moderate to advanced liver scarring without cirrhosis, used with a reduced-calorie diet and more activity. Continued approval may depend on results from an ongoing confirmatory trial.

Avoiding alcohol and keeping diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure under control also protect the liver.

Why it matters

MASH is now an approved use for one GLP-1 medicine, which may affect coverage for some people.

Related terms

MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease)ObesityType 2 diabetesWegovy (semaglutide)

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus: Steatotic liver disease

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